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ABC, Canada's CBC team for 'Life' work

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In the latest example of the international co-production model gaining popularity among U.S. networks, ABC has teamed with Canadian Broadcasting Corp. on the single-camera comedy pilot "18 to Life."

It is the first time a U.S. and Canadian network have collaborated on a comedy project in a pilot stage.

The Montreal-set sitcom, from indie Canadian producer Galafilm, centers on 18-year-old neighbors, played by Stacey Farber ("Degrassi: The Next Generation") and Michael Seater ("Life With Derek"), who get married on a dare only to face criticism from their parents and friends.

Rounding out the cast are Peter Keleghan, Al Goulem, Ellen David and newcomers Tommie-Amber Pirie and Ariel Shiri.

Derek Schreyer and Karen Troubetzkoy created and are executive producing "18 to Life," with Ian Whitehead producing.

Peter Wellington will direct the pilot, which originally was developed for CBC but now also will be screened with the rest of ABC's pilots for series consideration.

The deal with ABC was brokered by Alchemy TV.

Three Canadian series — CTV dramas "Flashpoint" and "The Listener" and CBC's comedy "Sophie" — have found U.S. homes the past year on CBS, NBC and ABC Family, respectively.

Additionally, 20th Century Fox TV has acquired the U.S. format rights to another CBC comedy, "Little Mosque on the Prairie," from producer Westwind Pictures. (partialdiff)